In pics: Indian PM Modi makes historic visit to Palestine

Amidst the growing friendship between India and Israel, history was in the making as Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine. He underlined India’s support for a sovereign and independent Palestine and hoped for return of peace in the region.

President Mahmoud Abbas said Palestine was relying on India's great standing on the international stage to facilitate the peace process with Israel. He conferred the ‘Grand Collar of the State of Palestine’ on PM Modi in special recognition of his contribution to enhancing relations between India and Palestine. Both sides signed agreements worth around USD50 million that includes setting up of a USD30 million super specialty hospital.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shaking hands with Palestine's President Mahmoud Abbas at Ramallah. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine. Photo courtesy: Twitter@MEA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the award as an honour for the people of India. Photo courtesy: Twitter@MEA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the mausoleum of late President Yasser Arafat at Ramallah. Photo courtesy: Twitter@MEA

Structure of late President Yasser Arafat's mausoleum is a cube of 11m x 11m. Photo courtesy: Twitter@ROIRamallah

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also toured the Yasser Arafat Museum which contains articles associated with the life of the great leader of Palestine. Photo courtesy: Twitter@ROIRamallah

In a first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine, PM Modi arrives in Ramallah to a rousing welcome. India and Palestine enjoy time-tested and close friendship driven by former long-standing support to the Palestinian cause. Photo courtesy: Twitter@MEA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaving Jordan and going to Ramallah in a chopper provided by Jordan government and escorted by choppers from Israel Air Force. Photo courtesy: Twitter@MEA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with Jordan King Abdullah II. Both the countries discussed to improve the bilateral relations. Photo courtesy: Twitter@MEA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embracing Jordan King Abdullah II on his arrival. Modi said that he was looking forward to the visit of the King in end-February. He also expressed sincere thanks to Jordan for logistical support extended for smooth facilitation for his Palestine visit. Photo courtesy: Twitter@MEA

Children belonging to the Indian community enthusiastically welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jordan. Photo courtesy: MEA

The iconic Burj Khalifa drenched in Indian tricolour on the arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United Arab Emirates. Photo courtesy: Twitter@IndembAbuDhabi

Dubai Frame draped in Indian tricolour on the arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United Arab Emirates. Photo courtesy: Twitter@IndembAbuDhabi

Author

Ashraf Jamal – Senior Writer

Ashraf Jamal brings a rare depth to writing equipped with a degree in journalism, a postgraduate degree in political science, and a degree in law from the Allahabad University. His experience includes editing and publishing the Northern India Patrika and writing for Times of India for almost a decade covering just about any topic under the sun including NRIs and Indian diaspora.